Travel and tour operators in Malaysia can collaborate more with their counterparts in Thailand to boost tourist traffic between Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia and Phuket.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysia and Thailand had a huge potential for such partnership as both had their own distinct tourism products despite their historical and geographical ties.
She cited Malaysia's ecotourism, with its famed 130 million years old virgin rainforest and rich biodiversity, as well as its shopping experience as among the products that could attract tourists.
"I see opportunities for greater collaboration and cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in tourism industry. They can look into ways on how to package products that will benefit both sides," she told Malaysian reporters at an event in honour of the commitment and long-term support of local Thai tour operators and tourism organisations, here last night.
Dr Ng is here since yesterday for a six-day visit to Thailand.
She also urged tour operators to take advantage of the increasingly frequent direct flights from major cities in Malaysia to Phuket to work on such partnership.
She added that historical link between Penang and Phuket on the uniquely rich Peranakan culture should also be promoted.
"We hoped that through such collaboration, tourists who visit Langkawi and Penang will also visit Phuket and likewise visitors to Phuket will also come to Malaysia," she said.
She also declared open the "Malaysia Through Eyes of the Thais" photography exhibition, featuring 15 photographs of Malaysian landscapes and landmarks taken by eight Thai photographers.
The Tourism Minister also visited the Phuket Peranakan community and walked along the Peranakan trail in the old section of Phuket town.
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